Though there is no single right way to create a visual test coverage model, I teach a simple approach to help those testers who want to try using mind maps but aren't sure where to begin. I hope that from this seed, as people become confident in using a mind map to visualise their test ideas, they would then adapt this process to suit their own project environment.
Function First
The first step when considering what to test for a given function is to try and understand what it does. A good place to start a mind map is with the written requirements or acceptance criteria.Imagine a story that includes developing the add, edit, view, and delete operations for a simple database table. The first iteration of the visual test coverage model might look like this:
Collaborate
Next consider whether all the behaviour of this function is captured in the written requirements. There are likely to be items that have not been explicitly listed. The UI may provide a richer experience than was originally requested. The business analyst may think that "some things just go without saying". There may be application level requirements that apply to this particular function.Collaboration is the key to discovering what else this function can do. Ask a business analyst and a developer to review the mind map to be sure that every behaviour is captured. This review generally doesn't take long, and a quick conversation early in the process can prevent a lot of frustration later on.
Imagine that the developer tells us that the default design for view includes sort, filter, and pagination. Imagine that the business analyst mentions that we always ask our users to confirm before we delete data. The second iteration of the visual test coverage model might look like this:
Think Testing
With a rounded understanding of what the function does the next thing to consider is how to test it.For people that are brand new to using a mind map, my suggestion is to start by thinking of the names of the test cases that they would traditionally scope. Instead of writing down the whole test case name, just note the key word or phrase that differentiates that case from others. This is a test idea.
Test ideas are written against the behaviour to which they apply. This means that tests and requirements are directly associated, which supports audit requirements.
Imagine that the tester scopes a basic set of test ideas. The third iteration of the visual test coverage model might look like this:
Expand your horizons
When inspiration evaporates, the next challenge is to consider whether the test ideas captured in the model are sufficient. There are some excellent resources to help answer this question.The Test Heuristics Cheat Sheet by Elisabeth Hendrickson is a quick document to scan through, and there is almost always a Data Type Attack that I want to add to my model. The Heuristic Test Strategy Model by James Bach is longer, but I particularly like the Quality Criteria Categories that prompt me to think of non-functional test ideas that may apply. Considering common test heuristics can help achieve better test coverage than when we think alone.
Similarly, if there are other testers working in the project team ask them to review the model. A group of testers with shared domain knowledge and varied thinking are an incredibly valuable resource.
Imagine that referring to test heuristic resources and completing a peer review provides plenty of new test ideas. The fourth iteration of the visual test coverage model would have a lot of extra branches!
Lift Off!
From this point the visual test coverage model can be used in a number of ways; a base for structured exploratory testing using session based testing, a visual representation of a test case suite, a tool to demonstrate whether test ideas are covered by automated checks or testing, or as a radar to report progress and status of test execution. Regardless of use, the model is likely to evolve over time.I hope that this process encourages those who are new to visual test coverage modelling to try it out.